Getting ready for the 2023 State of the Union address (SOTEU)

On 13 September 2023, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will deliver her State of the Union (SOTEU) address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

President von der Leyen will address the progress made on the priorities of the European Commission she set at the beginning of her mandate – from protecting our climate, to shaping our digital future, to strengthening European security and democracy. She will also outline initiatives that the European Commission plans to undertake in this crucial year.

Why does it matter?

Over the past year, Europeans have weathered an energy crisis, welcomed into their homes millions of Ukrainian people fleeing the war, and boosted the economy with unprecedented European investments.

The EU has risen to the occasion once again by:

1. Standing with Ukraine and taking major steps to hold Russia accountable
2. Boosting investment at home and abroad
3. Winning the energy war waged by Russia against Europe
4. Transforming our economy, by accelerating the green and digital transitions
5. Protecting the EU’s core values of equality, inclusiveness and social fairness

Ahead of the 2024 European elections, this year’s State of the Union address holds significant importance. It will be an important moment to inform and engage European citizens and beyond, raising awareness of what the EU stands for, and what it does for and with European citizens.